Dennis Houston Obituary

Dennis Howard Houston

December 25, 1939 - September 26, 2025

Shoreline, Washington - Dennis Howard Houston, 85, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025.

Dennis was born December 25, 1939, to Dr. Thomas and Helen Houston. He was the oldest of five children. He was raised in Lackawanna New York and went to Canisius High School in nearby Buffalo. After graduating, Dennis decided to pursue a career in sports journalism and enrolled at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh PA. It was there he met the love of his life Mary Elizabeth Haller. They were married shortly after he graduated in 1962. Dennis then served his country in the US Army and was stationed overseas in Korea. Upon retirement from active service he continued to serve the in US Army Reserves eventually retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Dennis and Mary returned to Pittsburgh to start their family. Dennis began working for Westinghouse, and his eldest daughter Nan was born in 1967. A second daughter Leah was born in 1968. In 1971 Dennis moved his young family to Washington State, after he was transferred to work on the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. The family settled in Kennewick, where Dennis joined St. Joseph's Catholic Church, and began teaching middle school CCD. He also joined the school board at the parish school. In 1973 his son Daniel was born.

Dennis continued to work for Westinghouse until 1981, when he went to work for Bechtel. The change in company led to Dennis accepting a position overseas in Saudi Arabia. The family moved to Jubail Saudi Arabia remained there from 1983-7. During this period Dennis and the family traveled in Europe, and was able to spend time in Ireland, and visit the Vatican and see Pope John Paul II. This was one of the highlights of Dennis's life.

Following the fours years overseas Dennis returned to the US and lived for a short time in the San Francisco Bay Area, before permanently relocating to Martinez Georgia. During this period Dennis began his long-standing work with OCIA, helping teach new and returning Catholics to understand his beloved faith.

In 1994 Dennis and Mary returned to Kennewick Washington, and Dennis again resumed work at the Hanford Reservation, assisting with the federal clean up of the area. He again joined the finance committee at St. Joseph's Catholic Church and assisted with numerous building projects. He also began regularly teaching OCIA. Dennis retired in 2009. He spent his retirement volunteering at St. Vincent De Paul and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. He also became a Master Gardener and worked with the WSU extension campus in Richland. Most importantly Dennis spent time traveling with his beloved wife Mary and enjoying his four grandchildren.

Dennis was preceded in death by his wife Mary, and his younger brothers Gregory, and Thomas. He is survived by his brother Dr. Patrick Houston, his sister Helene Houston, his daughter Nan (Erik Anderson), his daughter Leah (Tobias Bunyan), his son Daniel (Amy), and his four grandchildren Mia, Nicola, Alfred, and Kellan. He is also survived by his brother-in-law James Haller (Barbara) and numerous nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held at Mueller's Funeral home in Kennewick Washington on 10/6 from 4-8 PM with a Rosary at 6 PM.

Funeral services to be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church at 10:30 AM on 10/7.